How to Choose the Oil and Fluids for a Chevy Silverado

The Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra and Mexico-only Chevy Cheyenne are all the same vehicle under different names. Introduced in 1999, these full-size trucks are one of the largest volume vehicles available for purchase in the United States. These steps apply to all model years of the Chevy Silverado, but heavily modified vehicles, such as those used for extreme off-roading, may have specialty maintenance requirements.

Instructions

1

Maintain your Chevy Silverado automatic transfer case with Auto-Trak II fluid, GM part number 12378508 in the United States. A manual transfer case takes DEXRON-III automatic transmission fluid.

2

Change the DEXRON-III automatic transmission fluid in your Chevy Silverado's automatic transmission regularly to extend the transmission's life. Because there are a variety of manual transmissions available, the required fluids vary: 5-speed manual with low gear needs SAE 75W-85 GL-4 gear oil, manual 5-speed without low gear requires Synchromesh transmission fluid or equivalent, and 6-speed manual requires TranSynd synthetic transmission fluid, GM part number 12378515 in the U.S.

3

Lubricate your front axle with SAE 80W-90 axle lubricant, such as GM part number 1052271 in the U.S. Use SAE 75W-90 synthetic axle lubricant meeting GM specification 9986115 for the rear axle; GM part number U.S. 12378261 is one such example. If your rear axle is steerable, use only GM synthetic axle lubricant, U.S. part number 12378557 and don't add a friction modifier.

4

Use SAE 5W-30 engine oil in your Chevy Silverado if possible. If 5W-30 isn't available, you may use 10W-30 if temperatures are not expected to fall below 0 degrees Fahrenheit.

5

Keep your engine running cool with a 50-50 mix of clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOL coolant. Using another coolant might cause premature corrosion to engine components and void your new vehicle warranty if it's still in effect.